Gerbert Kunst will leave the position of the Representation of the Netherlands in
Willemstad as of the 1st of March 2027. The assignment is being terminated early at his
request due to personal circumstances. Gerbert Kunst was appointed as the
Representative of the Netherlands in Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten on the 15th of
May 2025.
Gerbert Kunst: “Over the past years, I have had the privilege of experiencing in the
Caribbean parts of the Kingdom how we can achieve results through connection and
equality. I have done so with great pleasure. Driven by the strong conviction that, as
four equal partners in the Kingdom, we can achieve more together than each of us could
alone. Together with my colleagues at the Representations in Willemstad, Oranjestad,
and Philipsburg, I have worked on strengthening economic development, supporting
vulnerable societal sectors, and addressing issues such as food security, sustainability,
and crisis resilience. The warm bonds I have formed with so many people across all
three countries will stay with me forever. However, sometimes life takes unexpected
turns, and I feel compelled to return to the Netherlands.”
Barbera Wolfensberger, Director-General for Kingdom Relations: “It is truly regrettable
that Gerbert is leaving the post in Willemstad ahead of schedule. I greatly appreciate
that he was willing to postpone his departure for several months. I have come to know
Gerbert as a passionate individual with a deep commitment to the Kingdom and an
important connector for our partners in governments, businesses, knowledge
institutions, and civil society.”
The Deputy Representative in Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten, Marieke van der
Linden, will assume the role of Representative as of the 1st of March. Due to the early
return, both parties have explored a new position in the Netherlands. Gerbert Kunst will
become the new Director of Knowledge, International, Europe, and Macroeconomics
(KIEM) and also Cluster Director of Administrative Support at the Ministry of the Interior
and Kingdom Relations effective the 1st of March.
